Sunday, December 2, 2012

Manatee Rescued From Merritt Island

MERRITT ISLAND, Florida -- Late
this afternoon, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(FWC) rescued a 6-foot male manatee from the Canaveral National Seashore in Merrritt Island and delivered it to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

SeaWorld says that the manatee, estimated to be
between 1-2 years old, and weighing 350 pounds, arrived showing signs
typical of cold stress.
He was put into the warm water of SeaWorld’s rehabilitation pool.

After being evaluated by a veterinarian and Animal Care staff, he
was given water to combat dehydration and will be given a detailed work
up tomorrow.

SeaWorld's animal rescue team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals.

If you see injured marine animal, you can help by calling the FWC hotline at 1(888) 404-3922 or by dialing *FWC on a cellular device.